I always assumed that was a typo (1.65 kg)?16.5kg of pressure?? He is really leaning into that thing!
He also gives recommendations about the time you spend on each nagura. I have always just looked at it as a base line.
I always assumed that was a typo (1.65 kg)?16.5kg of pressure?? He is really leaning into that thing!
Initially the point of this exercise was to see if I could dispense with the use of lapping films between my synthetic stones and pasted balsa strops.Perhaps, if the point of the exercise is to be able to say: ‘Natural stones are better than diamond paste’ or vice versa.
Though actually we all know already that they’re both valid, but different. What’s more interesting would be to know whether you think that a ‘reverse’ combination of the two might be an improvement on either alone. If you can capture the best of both worlds...
Perhaps, if the point of the exercise is to be able to say: ‘Natural stones are better than diamond paste’ or vice versa.
Though actually we all know already that they’re both valid, but different. What’s more interesting would be to know whether you think that a ‘reverse’ combination of the two might be an improvement on either alone. If you can capture the best of both worlds...
And that's how it should be. Trying different approach with an open mind and no preconceived ill-founded opinions.After a decade of using JNATS, I tried the pasted balsa strop for awhile just to see what all the hub-bub is about. I treated several of my own personally honed JNAT edges on the balsa and shaved with them. Sharp? Yes. JNAT mellow and smooth? Nope. To the contrary, I found them to be in a word "mechanical" feeling. Don't ask me to define mechanical in relation to what I was feeling on my face. But that is what I get.
And so, all of the those edges went back to the stone either at Koma, Tomo Nagura of my choosing or simply on water and "Voila!" So, the "reverse combination" that you described in my opinion is a valid one from my experience.
I'm not disparaging the "pasted balsa method" or whatever people call it. All I can say is that I personally spent the money, bought the supplies, made my own pasted balsa strops and experimented with it.
I would recommend other "Stoners" do the same and play around with them a little to see if they get the same results.
I have also tried the pasted balsa after a jnat. I had the same experience as you describe. The edge did not improve at all.After a decade of using JNATS, I tried the pasted balsa strop for awhile just to see what all the hub-bub is about. I treated several of my own personally honed JNAT edges on the balsa and shaved with them. Sharp? Yes. JNAT mellow and smooth? Nope. To the contrary, I found them to be in a word "mechanical" feeling. Don't ask me to define mechanical in relation to what I was feeling on my face. But that is what I get.
And so, all of the those edges went back to the stone either at Koma, Tomo Nagura of my choosing or simply on water and "Voila!" So, the "reverse combination" that you described in my opinion is a valid one from my experience.
I'm not disparaging the "pasted balsa method" or whatever people call it. All I can say is that I personally spent the money, bought the supplies, made my own pasted balsa strops and experimented with it.
I would recommend other "Stoners" do the same and play around with them a little to see if they get the same results.
I have also tried the pasted balsa after a jnat. I had the same experience as you describe. The edge did not improve at all.
What i do not understand is why i got better results if i moved to a pasted balsa after a synthetic progression. Maybe it is just inconsistencies in my honing, or something i don't quite understand.
12k synthetic to 5-10 strokes on balsa have actually been quite good, but maybe a little as you say "mechanical".
After a decade of using JNATS, I tried the pasted balsa strop for awhile just to see what all the hub-bub is about. I treated several of my own personally honed JNAT edges on the balsa and shaved with them. Sharp? Yes. JNAT mellow and smooth? Nope. To the contrary, I found them to be in a word "mechanical" feeling. Don't ask me to define mechanical in relation to what I was feeling on my face. But that is what I get.
And so, all of the those edges went back to the stone either at Koma, Tomo Nagura of my choosing or simply on water and "Voila!" So, the "reverse combination" that you described in my opinion is a valid one from my experience.
I'm not disparaging the "pasted balsa method" or whatever people call it. All I can say is that I personally spent the money, bought the supplies, made my own pasted balsa strops and experimented with it.
I would recommend other "Stoners" do the same and play around with them a little to see if they get the same results.
BTW I make paddle strops from bamboo cutting boards that I buy damaged from a local kitchen outlet for a few dollars.
6MM thickness is tough and thin enough that I can hang a few on a peg on the wall and have a ready assortment of grits, strop widths and different paste.
I glue thin suede leather or buckskin to them with wood glue. Makes great durable strops that hold paste well. Automotive metal polish also works well but not as toothy as Diamond.
Here are a few I made a while back. The cutting boards are about 8mm just under 3/8 in.
I used to make them from ½ in MDF, the Bamboo is thinner, lighter and stronger, looks good too.
I glued leather and pasted both side. I bought a suede leather skirt for $5, from a thrift store and made a bunch of paddle strops from it and lined the drawers of toolboxes with it also.
I do not use a paddle for razors, only for tools and knives. Great for EDC knives exacto and utility knives.
View attachment 1467209
View attachment 1467206View attachment 1467207View attachment 1467208 for EDC knives exacto and utility knives.
View attachment 1467204
I'm not especially surprised that the Cnat can't compete with the balsa edge, but I'd be kind of curious how it compares to a 1 micron film edge.I therefore needed a stone that would produce a good shave-ready edge from the 8k synthetic. I hunted around with a limited budget and found the "13k" Adaee Cnat.
...Now, all I have to do is build up the courage to shave again with a "safety" razor.
You are a braver man than I am. Ever since I sat on a Gen razor at about 6 years old (I still have the scar to show for it), I have been extremely hesitate to shave with a "safety" razor where I cannot see the edge on my skin. Carts, electric and straight razors present no fear for me.I know the feeling, and I've been VERY happy after having switched to DE safety razors for my daily shaves. I still use my straights, but I'm much slower with those shaves. I can now DE shave as fast as when I used a disposable.
I picked up 9-10 different brands of DE blades from the internet, and have been trying them out. My face doesn't like all of the brands, but that is to be expected. I find it is very helpful to adjust my Gillette fat boy for the variations I've come across in the different brands, just so I can give each blade brand a decent evaluation.
You are a braver man than I am. Ever since I sat on a Gen razor at about 6 years old (I still have the scar to show for it), I have been extremely hesitate to shave with a "safety" razor where I cannot see the edge on my skin. Carts, electric and straight razors present no fear for me.
I am now fully addicted to SR shaving. All my normal friends have ostracised me. The only friends that I have now are the SR shavers on B&B. I have searched for a SR rehab facility but none found.
You are a braver man than I am. Ever since I sat on a Gen razor at about 6 years old (I still have the scar to show for it), I have been extremely hesitate to shave with a "safety" razor where I cannot see the edge on my skin. Carts, electric and straight razors present no fear for me.
I am now fully addicted to SR shaving. All my normal friends have ostracised me. The only friends that I have now are the SR shavers on B&B. I have searched for a SR rehab facility but none found.
You are a braver man than I am. Ever since I sat on a Gen razor at about 6 years old (I still have the scar to show for it), I have been extremely hesitate to shave with a "safety" razor where I cannot see the edge on my skin. Carts, electric and straight razors present no fear for me.
I am now fully addicted to SR shaving. All my normal friends have ostracised me. The only friends that I have now are the SR shavers on B&B. I have searched for a SR rehab facility but none found.